The death of two Chinese fishermen in the strait between China and Taiwan has further deteriorated relations between the two countries. Taiwanese Prime Minister Chen Chien-jen on Tuesday called on both sides to prevent fishing boats from illegally entering protected waters.
The dispute between Beijing and Taipei was sparked by the capsizing of a Chinese fishing boat near Taiwan’s Kinmen Island last Wednesday, killing two sailors. According to Taiwanese sources, the boat’s crew tried to evade coast guard inspection and their boat capsized during the ensuing chase. Two sailors were rescued.
Kinmen is located just a few kilometers from the southeastern Chinese city of Xiamen. Chen said Taiwan established restricted and prohibited areas in its waters in 1992. China does not recognize these and speaks of “traditional fishing areas”.
China’s Taiwan Affairs Bureau called it a “malicious incident” after the boat capsized and called for an explanation. Spokeswoman Zhu Fenglian called on Taiwan on Monday to cooperate in the case. On Tuesday, relatives of the surviving sailors arrived in Kinmen to pick them up.
Following the accident, China increased its coast guard presence in the region. Chinese officials boarded a Taiwanese tourist boat carrying 23 passengers and 11 crew members on Monday to inspect it, according to Taiwan news agency CNA. Such checks are rare and are seen by Taiwan as a violation of its own sovereignty.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and threatens to conquer the island republic by force, even though an independent and democratically elected government has existed there for decades. The relationship between the two states has been tense for years. Nearly every day, Chinese fighter jets cross the unofficial median line in the strait in a show of force. Beijing has already announced several times that it will enforce reunification with Taiwan by military means if necessary. (sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
